Method and machine for packaging



Sept. 12, R DAVls 2,172,835

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING Fil ed June 2, 1938 I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 W i Z6 I w M5 6766 941% 46 2% 5 f0- INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Sept, 12, 1939. s DAv|$ 2,172,835

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING Filed June 2, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Sept. 12, 1939. R. s. DAVIS METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING F iled June 2, 19:58 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 12, 1939 UNITED STATES smear O FFlCE METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING Roy S. Davis, Otsego, Mich.

Application June 2, 1938, Serial No. 211,381

9 Claims.

The main objects of my invention are:

First, to providea novel machine and method for packaging articles such as eggs.

Second, to provide a machine of the type described having means for operating on an egg carton filler accommodating a predetermined number of eggs to divide the same into sections accommodating a lesser predetermined number of eggs and for thereafter encasing the resultant sections in individual cartons.

Third, to provide a machine of the type described which is manually operable but well adapted to automatic operation if such is desired.

Further objects relating to details and economiespf my invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in sec- 5 tion on line 22, ofFigs. 1' and 4.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary View in section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, illustrating certain details of the machine.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view in longitudinal section, further illustrating details of the construction.

Fig. 5 is a view in transverse section through the package resulting from the performance of my method.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating details of the carbon filler in operative relation to the carton or casing therefor.

The present invention deals with a method and machineor apparatus for forming egg filler units and encasing the same in cartons. In practising the method, the eggs or other articles to be packaged are initially placed in a collapsible cellularfiller accommodating a predetermined number of articles, for example, three dozen. These fillers, designed to be arranged in tiers or stacks in suitable crates, are widely usedin the shipping, storage, and bulk delivery of eggs. The fillers are operated on in the manner tobe described to divide' the same into three sections having one d'ozen cells or compartments each by sawing and trimming the large filler. As a final step, the

sub-divided sections are slidingly inserted, di-

rectly following the division and in a single stroke,

5 into the encasing cartons" in which the same are marketed or delivered to the retail trade or consumer;

The machine which I have devised for practising the method is characterized primarily by its simplicity. As described, it is adapted for 5 manual actuation. by one or two operators, however it will be apparent as the description proceeds that the machine is well adapted for fully automatic operation in the event circumstances should warrant the same by provisions which will 10 be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, wherein I illustrate a filled carton as produced in accordance with my invention, the package in Fig. 6 being partially completed, this carton consists of an outer 15 casing l Which is adapted to be filled and closed from the end thereof as illustrated in Fig. 6, the same being provided with closure tabs 2 and a hinged end wall 3 of well known type.

The filler inser'tabl'e within casing I consists 20 of a-bottom sheet of paper pulp 4 molded to-provide the egg receiving seats 6. These seats are adapted'to be located in the compartments or cells 1 of a collapsible cellular filler or insert 8. As is well known, such fillers are generally formed 5 to accommodate a predetermined number of eggs, usually thirty-six. The filler 8 which I employ consists in general of the transverse partitions 9 and the longitudinal partitions I0. The transverse partitions 9 are provided with a series of 30 semi-circular apertures H by slitting the same with a semi-circular knife and folding the resultant semi circular tongue I2 180, as illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 5. The longitudinal partitions ID are slotted at l3 for engagement with the 35 transverse partitions 9 within and adjacent the diameter of the apertures l I. It is desirable to remove the tongues l2 adjacent the outermost longitudinal partition l0. Therefore, these outermost apertures may be formed by a punch and 0 die, removing all of the material from a semicircular area.

Therefore said filler 1 is assembled by interlocking the longitudinal and transverse partitions in obvious manner and thereafter placing 45 the same over the molded bottom member 4 to produce the finished filler 8 which thereafter is filled with eggs or other articles l4 and placed on the feed and discharge table 15 of the packaging machine, with the longitudinal partitions Ill disposed longitudinally of the machine, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

The machine consists of the supporting table IQ of which the feed and discharge table I5 is a part, this table being supported on suitable legs or other standards l1 and being provided with a sub-table or shelf |8 whereon is disposed a motor i9.

Referring to Fig. 1, a transverse guide 20 is disposed on feed and discharge table l5 to guide the lateral movement of the filler 8 into position in front of a pushing mechanism generally designated 2|. This mechanism consists of a pusher foot or plunger 22 adapted to engage the filler 8 to slide the same longitudinally of the machine, the said plunger being carried on a slidable supporting frame 23 carried by elongated slides 24 guided for longitudinal movement in the ways or tracks 25. These ways are supported in spaced relation to table l6 by standards 26. The pusher member 2| is provided with a handle 21 adapted to be grasped by an operator to shove the filler past mechanisms for subdividing the same, which will now be described.

Table i6 has mounted thereon a pair of angled brackets 28 having upwardly extending walls 29. These brackets are disposed on either side of the line of travel of the filler longitudinally of the machine and serve as supports for the operating mechanisms to be described. On the forward end of the brackets, i. e., on. the end toward pusher member 2|, there is disposed a transverse screw threaded rod 30 held in place by nuts 3|. This rod is encircled by a sleeve 32 carrying a pair of longitudinally extending end folder and side moldboard members 33 whose forward ends 34 are turned outwardly to receive the filler 8 as it is advanced by pusher member 2|, engaging the projecting ends 35 of the transverse partitions 9 and folding them rearwardly against the outermost longitudinal partitions I0, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

Sleeve 32 is provided with a pair of slitting knives 36 disposed transversely of the filler adjacent certain of the longitudinal partitions ID to divide the filler into three equal sections. It will be noted in Fig. 2 that the aforesaid knives extend downwardly only sufiicient to sever the portion 31 of partition 9 between the semi-circular aperture II and the top of the filler. This, of course, greatly facilitates subdivision of the filler.

Disposed beneath knives 36 are the forwardly extending sheet metal fingers 38, see Figs. 2 and 4, which engage the longitudinal partitions l0 beneath knives 36 to prevent buckling of the partitions during operation of the knives. These fingers are extensions of intermediate moldboards 39 for the sides of the subdivided filler sections, the previously mentioned folder and moldboards 33 serving as the outermost retaining members or guides for the filler as it slides longitudinally of the machine. Accordingly, it will be seen that the filler, both prior and subsequent to the subdivision, is adequately restrained at the sides thereof.

The aforesaid moldboards 33 and 39 are all provided with curved vertical guide and restraining members 40 to prevent upward movement of the filler and all of the knives, moldboards, and retaining members are carried on sleeve 32 for transverse adjustment therewith as a unit. The nuts 4il| are adjustable on threaded rod 30 to abut the ends of the sleeve and hold the same in adjusted lateral position.

Table H; has a pair of journal members 4| depending therebeneath wherein is rotatably mounted a shaft 42 threaded intermediate its length at 43 and adjustably supporting the sleeve 44. On this sleeve a plurality of disk saws are disposed, two, designated by the reference numeral 45, in vertical alinement with the slitter knives 36 and two, designated 46, disposed adjacent the sides of the filler as it moves through the machine. The table I6 is apertured at 41 to receive the saws.

Saws 45, it will be noted, are larger in diameter than saws 46 inasmuch as the former are intended to cut through the bottom molded filler member 4 and alSO the reduced portion 48 of. the transverse partition 9 between the aperture H and bottom thereof, thus, in conjunction with slitter knives 36 completely severing the partition at top and bottom. Saws 46 are smaller inasmuch as they serve merely to trim the outermost ends 49 of the bottom filler member and do not cut the rearwardly folded ends 35 of the transverse partitions. The saw carrying sleeve 44 is adjustably held in place on shaft 42 by means of end nuts 50 adjustable on the shaft threads 43.

Shaft 42 is belt driven from motor H] as illustrated in Fig. 3 and a container or pan 5| is disposed beneath the saws to receive waste falling therefrom.

The sleeves 32 and 44 adjustably mounted on threaded rod 30 and shaft 42, respectively, provide means for positioning the operating instrumentalities laterally of the machine to thereby aline the knives, moldboards, and saws relative to the path of travel of the filler. Normally, the latter is suitably guided prior to reaching the knives and saws by means of the side board 52, see Fig. 1. However, it will be understood that variations in the dimensions or relative positioning of the filler members 4, 1 may result in misalinement of the longitudinal partitions with the operating instrumentalities and accordingly the adjusting means is highly desirable. If desired, the knives and saws might also be made individually adjustable on their respective sleeves. However, I have not disclosed specific provisions for accomplishing this as they will occur to those skilled in the art.

After passing the knives 36 and saws 45, 46, the filler is in subdivided form consisting of three sections each accommodating a dozen eggs. It is now necessary to forward the subdivided sections and insert the same in individual cartons or casing members To do this I provide a longitudinally slidable frame 53 which, like pusher frame 23, is secured to the slides 24 traveling longitudinally in the sheet metal ways or tracks 25 on either side of the path of travel of the fillers. The frame 53 has a transverse handle 56 and carries a rotatable rockshaft 51 having secured thereto a pair of rods 58 to which is in turn secured a rake-like puller or forwarding member 59. It is the function of the last named member to engage the rear side of the subdivided fillers as illustrated in Fig. 4 and advance the same towards the discharge end of the machine, when the frame 53 is manually retracted by an operator. From the foregoing, it is evident that the machine may be operated by manually reciprocating either the pusher frame 23 or forwarding member 59.

I contemplate means for returning the forwarding member 59 to position for engagement with a subsequent group of fillers without interference with the said subdivided fillers on the return stroke to position behind the same. Such means takes the form of elevated tracks or ways 66 disposed on bracket walls 26. The said ways have downwardly curved front ends 6| and at the rear ends thereof cam-like switch members 62are pivoted thereto'at63. Themember 59, as illustrated in Fig. 4, is provided with a roller or follower 64 and it will be apparent that upon movement of the member 59 rearwardly, or to the left as illustrated in Fig. 4, the said switches '62 will rise, allowing passage of the roller 'therebeneath. Thereafter, switch members 62 drop into position in'the'normal-path of travel of the roller, so that on return movement of the member 59 to the right, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the roller 'willtravel'upthe switch member 62 onto the way'fiu, thus elevating member-=59 duringits return stroke and lowering the same at the end of the said'return, as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 4. "To assure that the puller member 59 will be fully restored-to vertical operating position behind the'fillers, Iprovide a coil spring 55 encircling rockshaft 51, having one endthere'of anchored behind a suitable portion of the frame 53, as-at 65, and the other end I! thereof engaging a rod'58 to urge the puller member 59 in clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4.

' The top guides 66, as suitably attached to ways 55 insure against upward movement of the fillers during the movement just described.

On the discharge end it! of the machine I dispose a carton receivingandpositioning plate 1! in a plane beneath table I5, wherebyto bring the bottom edge of the carton opening flush with the table iii upon which the fillers are traveling with the end closure flaps 3 of the cartons folded beneath the cartons while receiving the fillers, as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. .l. The cartons are disposed on the discharge plate H as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 with the forward end restrained vertically by the adjustable cam holding members it on a transverse rod 13 preferably supported on the guide tracks of the machine. These members !2 are, as illustrated in Fig. 1, spaced transversely so as to engage the cartons only at the vertical walls thereof, thereby preventing distortion. of the cartons such as would prevent or impede insertion of the fillers therein. The rear end of the cartons is engaged by a collapsible pivoted or spring finger M which permits withdrawal of the filled cartons.

The fillers are drawn rearwardly into the easings by sliding manipulation of frame 53. and inasmuch as the projecting ends 35 of transverse partitions 9 have been folded against the outermost longitudinal partitions Ill and thereafter maintained in this position by moldboards 33, entry of the filler in the cartons or casings is effected with facility.

It is apparent that my device may be operated rapidly by two operators, one to load the fillers 8 and the other to remove and close the filled cartons. Either operator may reciprocate frames 25:; and 53. If desired, however, a single operator is well able to operate the machine by himself. The adaptability of my device to completely automatic operation is likewise apparent; it being necessary merely to provide some well known power applying device for reciprocating slides 24. Such means has not been illustrated because it is not des red to complicate the disclosure, however it is to be understood that the appended claims shall not be necessarily limited to a manually operated device unless the terms thereof so state.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which is very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodimentsor adaptations as it is believed -this disclosure will'enable those skilled in the xart to'embody or ada'pt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim asznew and desire to secure by Letters.

Patent is:

"1.A machine for packaging eggs and the like arranged in fillers having transverse partitions provided with apertures andlongitudinal partitions extending'through the apertures, compris-1.

ing means for advancing said fillers through the machine in a direction parallel to the longitudinal partitions,- means for'slitting said transverse partitions atthe apertures from above to partially sever the transverse partitions adjacent and par-' guide and restrain the same during longitudinal movement, means for mounting said slitting, saw ing, and moldboardmeans for adjustment transversely as a unit, means for folding the laterally projecting ends of said transverse partitions rearwardly of thepatlr of travel of, the filler, means for supporting a plurality of individual tubular casings corresponding in number to the sections inthe path of'travel of the sections, and means for advancing said sections endwise each into a corresponding individual casing.

2..A machine for packaging eggs and the like arranged in fillers having transverse partitions provided with apertures and longitudinal partitions extending through the apertures, comprising means for advancing said fillers through the machine in a direction parallel to the longitudinal partitions, means for slitting said transverse partitions at the apertures from above to partially sever the transverse partitions adjacent and parallel to the longitudinal partitions, means for sawing said transverse partitions in vertical alinement with the slitting means to completely sever said transverse partitions and form subdivided filler sections, moldboard means to engage the sides of the filler sections to guide and restrain the same during longitudinal movement, means for folding the laterally projecting ends of said transverse partitions rearwardly of the path of travel of the filler, means for supporting a plurality of individual tubular casings corresponding in number to the sections in the path of travel of the sections, and means for advancing said sections endwise each into a corresponding individual casing.

3. A machine for packaging eggs and the like arranged in fillers having transverse partitions provided with apertures and longitudinal partitions extending through the apertures, comprising means for cutting said transverse partitions at the apertures from above to partially sever the transverse partitions, means for sawing said transverse partitions at points in vertical alinement with the cutting means to completely sever said transverse partitions and form subdivided filler sections, means for supporting a plurality of tubular casings in the path of travel of the sections, and means for advancing said sections endwise each into a corresponding individual casing.

4. A machine for packaging articles inserted in cellular fillers, comprising means for advancing a filler with articles disposed in the cells thereof filler, means for subdividing said filler parallel to the direction of its movement into a plurality of individual sections, means for trimming projecting edge portions on the outermost edges of said fillers, means for supporting a plurality of individual tubular casings in the path of movement of said sections, and means for moving said individual sections endwise into said individual casings following said subdivision and trimming.

5. A machine for packaging articles inserted in collapsible cellular fillers, comprising means for advancing a filler in a direction parallel to a dimension of the filler, means operative during the advancing movement for subdividing said filler parallel to the direction of its movement into a plurality of individual sections, means for supporting a plurality of individual cartons in the path of movement of said sections, and means for placing said sections in said individual cartons following said subdivision.

6. A machine for packaging eggs and the like subsequent to the disposition thereof in cellular fillers, comprising means for slitting said fillers parallel to a dimension thereof and adjacent a partition thereof to divide the filler into a plurality of sections, means for supporting individual tubular casings, one for each section, adjacent the discharge end of the machine, and means for advancing said filler through said slitting means and inserting said sections endwise into said individual casings.

'7. A machine for packaging eggs and the like subsequent to the disposition thereof in cellular fillers, comprising upper and lower cutting means for cutting said fillers from the top and bottom thereof to divide the same into a plurality of sections,'means for supporting individual cartons one for each section, adjacent the discharge end of the machine, and means for advancing said filler through said cutting means and placing said sections into said individual cartons.

8. The method of packaging articles such as eggs and the like, comprising inserting said articles into cellular fillers of predetermined capacity, sliding said fillers longitudinally, bending projecting ends of the partitions of the fillers rearwardly of the direction of travel thereof, subdividing said fillers into sections during said sliding movement, and inserting the sections into individual tubular cartons by a single longitudinal stroke following the subdivision.

9. The method of packaging articles such as eggs and the like, comprising inserting said articles into cellular fillers of predetermined capacity, moving said fillers and subdividing said fillers into sections of equal aliquot capacity during the movement, and inserting the sections into individual cartons by a longitudinal shifting movement of the sections following the subdivision in the direction of the first named movement.

ROY S. DAVIS. 

